An attorney for John Wetteland maintained his client's innocence Monday morning as the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame pitcher appeared in Denton County for his first court date since his January arrest on child sex charges.

John Karl Wetteland

(Denton County Sheriff's Office)

A relative accused Wetteland, 52, of sexual assault between 2004 and 2006, beginning when the child was 4 years old.

Adame said Wetteland felt betrayed by his accuser, but was trying to stay strong for those who remain by his side.

"Think about someone you think the world of, who you trust," Adame said. "That's John Wetteland, for a lot of people."

Wetteland pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Montreal Expos and New York Yankees — with whom he was named the 1996 World Series MVP — before he joined the Texas Rangers in 1997. He retired after the 2000 season but continued coaching for the team for a few years, then joined the Washington Nationals.

The Rangers have no current association with Wetteland, they said in January.

Wetteland coached baseball and taught Bible classes at Liberty Christian School in Argyle from 2007 to 2008 but has not had any association with the school since, vice president of advancement Dedra Brynn said.

Wetteland will appear in court again in July for an announcement hearing. He plans to enter a plea of not guilty in the case, Adame said.

"We look forward to the opportunity to prove our innocence, which is what Mr. Wetteland is," Adame said. "He is innocent and is looking forward to his day in court."